T-Mar

Based on the serial number format, it might be a KHS manufactured frame, though that doesn't necessarily mean that it was branded as a KHS. If it is KHS manufacture, then it's from October 1979, which should make it a 1980 model. Photographs may help.

MaryMac

[QUOTE=streetsurfer;22672832]This turned out to be older than I had initially thought, which was based on the sale information. Serial KS (iirc) denotes 73-75, and I think I figured ‘74 from something else, maybe a crank arm.



My Nishiki Competition that I bought new in Spring 1973 looks identical to this one, but a smaller frame. I love this old bike.

Oldsteeler

Nishiki Competition racing bikes were also made for the European market between 1978 and 1990.
They were pure racing bikes and were often ridden by amateurs in competitions.

I have a collection of several of these competitions and present two of them here.
Year of construction 1978 and 1985 .

Bike 1 , 1978





Bike 2 : 1985




enjoy these Bikes.

Londonsworld 

Nice to see!

jet sanchEz

Hey gang, curious if anyone knows how old this Niahiki International tourer might be?

Also, I can't find any similar pics of the way the decals are done, is this likely original?

Thanks, I didn't want to start a new thread...

T-Mar

I'm leaning towards early 1990s. I know this would seem strange for a bicycle with derailleur cables routed over the BB shell and a traditional fork crown but both the 1989 and 1990 Canadian market catalogues show frames with these characteristics. Those frames appear almost identical to the subject frame, except they don't have the 3rd water bottle mount and what appears to be a pump peg. So, I'm assuming the subject bicycle is slightly newer than 1990. FWIW, those frames were spec'd with Tange 900. This one looks like it may have a mixed Shimano and SunTour shifting system and some other mods. I don't recall seeing the reversed locations for the brand and model decals.

jet sanchEz

Very informative, as usual, T-Mar, thanks

Would the International have been at the top of the heap for Nishiki tourers of that era?

The bike I posted looks to be in pretty good nick but the components are mid tier, I believe....

T-Mar

[QUOTE In 1990, ATBs were taking over the product line. =jet sanchEz;22682513]Very informative, as usual, T-Mar, thanks


Would the International have been at the top of the heap for Nishiki tourers of that era?


The bike I posted looks to be in pretty good nick but the components are mid tier, I believe....[/QUOTE]

The International was the only Canadian market Nishiki grand touring bicycle of the era. It's well appointed for a GT, having three sets of bottle bosses, rack mounts on the rear, lo-rider mounts on the front, 40 spoke rear wheel, bar end shift levers. etc. In 1990, ATBs were taking over the product line. There were nine ATBs, four road bicycles and one hybrid. MSRP on the 1990 International was $708.00 CDN, which seems like an odd price, so I wonder if it's a typo and should be $700.00 CDN.

Oldsteeler

my very delicate suspicion, or just my guess.
This bike shown in the picture is not an original Nishiki at all, at least not an original International model.
Upon closer inspection one could certainly determine whether the paintwork is original or a custom repaint.
Also the positions of the decals are rather not a Nishiki original.
Furthermore, the soldered parts and the rear bridge for the brake cable do not speak for the original International model.

But , it's just my guess.

T-Mar

Both the bicycle and the member who inquired about the bicycle are located in Canada, where the brand was owned by Norco during this period. Norco designed the models specifically for the Canadian market, so they do not always reflect what was available elsewhere. Often there can be significant differences. You shouldn't use on-line catalogues as a reference, as most of those are for the USA market.

In this case, the subject bicycle's frame very much resembles those used on the Canadian market Internationals from around 1990, with the exceptions of the decal placement and a couple of extra braze-ons, which I previously mentioned. Comparing the frame design to that in the 1990 Canadian catalogue (below), I have no reason to doubt it being a Nishiki International.

cooperryder 

Thanks TMar for keeping up this thread.

I'll add this one to the database.

Here's a step thru style frame I picked up recently.

From the format on the front page it is a 1979 US model.

(Edit...I reread SN format and see that if 2nd character is an S it's pre-1975 so mine must be a 1973 or 1974 model. Cool.

SN is KS80012

I need to search the brochure/catalogs to see if I can determine particular model name.
(Edit) I did find this catalog link showing a similar looking frame called the Competition model although it's a 1974 catalog. )

https://proteanpaper.com/scart_pictur...00000000009947

I also came across this frame listed as a 1973 that looks very similar.

https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vi...p-through.html

and this short one...
https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vi...completed.html

Perhaps they did not change much during those years.

I'm a bit surprised with the bolt on rear derailer hanger.
If they did a double butted main frame , front and rear quick release and pretty nice parts why not a braze on derailer hanger?

I guess they have to save money somewhere.

Interesting in one 1974 catalog the men's model has road bars and the ladies' upright bars.

The one I have has road bars but perhaps not original or they changed how equipped over the years.
(Edit.Now I see a 1974 catalog that shows road bars.)

I really like the swoopy top tube.
Overall I think the bike is very cool and fun to ride.

It's a 22" frame so I can ride it fine with the seatpost up a bit.

I would guess it's the tallest frame they offered in that step thru / back then I guess called ladies style.
The Mighty Competition double crank chainrings are a 49x42 with 171 mm crank arms.

It has a 21.1 stem.

26.8 seatpost

5 Speed freewheel.

27" wheels

The tubing sticker indicates double butted.

I wonder if those short fenders are original??
(Edit...yep catalog shows the fenders.)

I really like the look of the Sunshine high flange hubs.

I'm pleased this one came my way.

I'll be changing to upright bars on it.

cooperryder 

A couple more pics.

bridgethegap71

I have a Nishiki for the Database. I think it's a Nishiki Medalist but not sure Serial Number AD00653
Nice parts suntour superb parts, with interesting arrow stamped onto seat lug. Not sure what the tubing is. I can't add photos yet apparently.

T-Mar

One Asian manufacturer who used all numerals was KHS. Assuming KHS, it should be from October 1979 and therefore likely a 1980 model. Photos and component date codes will help determine if the year is correct and therefore if KHS is the possible source.

T-Mar

Thank-you for posting. It's in great condition. I believe the serial number may be KS180012. It looks like there may may a faint, poorly struck "1" between the "S" and "8". 1973 sounds about right. We may be able to confirm the year from some component date codes. The crankarm should have date codes on the back format, 4x.x. The derailleurs should have a date code on the back, consisting of two letters.

T-Mar

Welcome to the forum. Your Nishiki was manufactured by Kawamura of Japan during 1984. The "A" prefix represents Australia but include a wider region, such as Oceania. Unfortunately, the Kawamura serial number do not appear to include model information. I'm not sure of model designations for the Australian market, as model names often varied from market to market.

cooperryder 

Thanks for the info.

Here's a pic of back of crankarm. Shows 47-9.

T-Mar

That code is based on the Japanese Imperial Calendar and indicates September of Showa year 47, which would be September 1972. Normally production of the new 1973 models would start by this time, so once we factor in component shipping, receival at Kawamura, stocking and assembly into a bicycle, it's almost certainly a 1973 model. Enjoy your new acquisition!

cooperryder 

Thanks very much T-Mar.

Your input on this forum is very helpful and appreciated.

rickpaulos

Fresh donation at the local coop today.

Nishiki Pueblo with 24" wheels. VG condition. Giant build. G0186 on one dropout. 6030552 on the other dropout.
Suntour 7 rear derailleur. Suntour thumb shifters. Sugino crank. 4130 decal. All Purpose Bike decal.

antonyfhilliard

Y3N4318

Unfortunately the frame was bare when I bought it, so no information about the components. I built it up into a 650B: Show Us Your 650B Conversions

Snafuji

Hello all,

Could someone kindly help me identify 2 x Nishiki bikes serial number information?

I currently can’t post photos on the forum due to being new, but what I have are:

Bike 1: Silver international - K(?)42037. The (?) looks to be a 0 with a slash through it.

Bike 2: Blue royale - KJ17724

Thank you so much.

garryg

Serial number cf03578. Canadian bike.repaint,not sure of model.has two water bottle spots.one under the downtube.maybe an international. 1986

vegasbike

here is what i believe to be a 1990
sorry about the poor pics... too excited to get wrenching.
ok so after going through all of the posts.. ive found a couple of bikes very similar to this one and thx to T-Mar.... Ive discovered its a 90-maybe 91, cdn model.. xce compoents... not sure of wheels. my guess is 700c arayas, maybe sansin hubs..



it came with a 700c araya aluminum rear wheel and a 27" steel front .. perhaps the rear wheel is original ( minus the freewheel)

1990?

made in japan

suntour gt




suntour xce components


suntour barends

Hummer

International is correct. Continental had different lugs on the head tube.